by: Amber Knox
The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce has new leadership and new ideas for 2024. Eldon Merrick is the new president of the board and Stephen Hardin will take over for Karl Terry as Executive Director when Terry retires in April. We spoke with Hardin about the benefits of being a Chamber member and what his plans are for this new chapter.
First off, tell us about yourself!
Portales is my home. I have been here since I was five and half months old. I grew up in this town. I played sports, showed animals and was actively involved in 4-H, sang in the choir, played in the band, acted on-stage, put on fundraisers, taught in the classroom, opened a business, learned the meaning of hard work from an early age and so much more. I left for a while to expand my skills and network and came back to help with my family. All this to say, I connect on many levels with many people and will utilize this to help make our community the best it can be.
What is it that the Chamber currently does?
The Chamber has been serving the business community since 1934. The Chamber is actively involved in partnership with its members seeking solutions to problems large and small and promoting the growth and well-being of our community. The benefits of Chamber membership include both tangibles like the ability to advertise in our visitor center and welcome packets to intangibles like the benefits of having well planned events that attract visitors and entertain residents. We invite you to join as a business, individual, non-profit, or at-home business.
The process is simple, and the rewards are great. Find out more online here or give us a call at (575) 356-8541 or stop by 100 S. Ave. A.
Are you going to maintain the events that the Chamber currently has?
That’s a great question, especially being a week on the job. Overall, if something is slated to happen and has been heavily invested in and advertised, I plan to maintain that event. One thing I have learned in general, is to learn the process, see why things work (or don’t) and then change it for the better, IF necessary if they can be improved upon. There is also a time to close the curtain on something, so we shall see how it goes moving forward.
Are you looking to add events? If so, what?
Yes, I would love to add more events! I have some ideas for a few things and plan to see at least some happen this year. I may also modify a few events, but will get into more details later. With all of this and anything we do for the community, needs community support. As things begin this year, look for events and ways you can help support your community.
What are members provided and what is the cost?
There are multiple tiers, each with its own pricing and benefits. A snapshot would include multiplatform advertisements, discounted rates on events, free services, employment postings, weekly communications and much more. I also want to talk with chamber members and potential members on what they enjoy and what they would like to see.
How does a business become a member?
A business, non- profit, or individual can go online (Member – Roosevelt County
Chamber of Commerce, NM (portales.com) and fill out the application form, it’s
as simple as that.
We then spoke to Merrick, a broker for Buena Vista Realty, to learn more about him and his new role with the Chamber.
How long have you been on the chamber board?
This is my third year on the Chamber.
What is your position and when did you acquire it?
I am President of the Chamber. I was voted on last year as the incoming President and took office at our Chamber Banquet officially in January of this year.
What do you see for the future of the Chamber?
The Chamber has always been a part of the Business Community in Portales and was actually instrumental in the establishment of ENMU as a college here in Portales. The Chamber led a drive to secure funds to purchase the land that ENMU is located on. I think ENMU has a video detailing this, that is coming out soon. We have always tried to promote businesses in Portales and hold events to highlight businesses and involve the community to create awareness. One of the things that has kind of fallen to the wayside in the past few years is our Main Street project. I would personally like to see this be revitalized and include all of the great businesses we have in Portales.
How can people become involved with the chamber?
Our Chamber board meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at noon in the Portales Chamber boardroom and anyone that has a business can become a member of the Chamber, when dues are paid. There are also Chamber Ambassadors that are a part of our group with a membership, that help with welcoming new businesses, volunteer for events and many other things. You can call the Chamber to see about joining them.
What does the chamber provide for its members?
We offer 7 different tiers of membership, starting at $80 a year for individuals all the way up to the $2500 Champion level. These offer different levels of service to our members, but we strive to ensure everyone is getting the value they deserve out of their membership. We can help you with promotions or events to showcase your business and many other benefits, but it would be easier to just let you look at this link: https://www.portales.com/ and you can view the different things we do.
